Effects of colonisation on traditional Aboriginal life in north Queensland; introduction of Native Police Force; discusses criticisms of treatment of Aboriginal people and reforms recommended; summarizes 'The Aborigines Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act' passed in 1897 and philosophy behind it; background of Dr Walter Edmond Roth, medical practitioner, ethnographer, first northern Protector of Aborigines and later Chief Protector (1904-1906); discusses Roth's work, successes and campaigns for improvements while Protector; outlines growth of opposition to Roth, including queries about ethnographic research, medical negligence claims and problems with sale of Roth's collection of artefacts to Sydney Museum; Roth's responses to criticisms; Roth supporters; summarises with Roth's achievements in obtaining some protection for Aboriginals, despite his flaws